Ethiopian Airlines Expands Influence in Central Africa with Air Congo Fleet Upgrade and New ATR 72-600s
Ethiopian Airlines is accelerating its strategic expansion across Africa—this time by reinforcing its presence in Central Africa through Air Congo, the young Congolese carrier in which it holds a 49% stake.
While Ethiopian continues to increase its investments and aircraft orders, it is steadily consolidating regional influence through this growing partnership.
Before its major announcements at the Dubai Airshow, Ethiopian Airlines faced a clear challenge: establishing a sustainable and structured presence in regions where air traffic remains severely underserved.
With Air Congo, the ambition is both economic and strategic. The goal is to build a strong aviation hub in Central Africa that can feed Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive intercontinental network and, over time, enhance its competitive edge against major Gulf carriers.
A key step in this strategy is the leasing agreement for two new ATR 72-600 aircraft, which carry significant strategic weight.
Set for delivery starting February 2026, they will be the first aircraft in the Democratic Republic of Congo equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT engines, known for improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.
For Air Congo, this represents a rapid modernization of its fleet. For Ethiopian Airlines, it ensures that its regional partner operates reliable, efficient aircraft—critical in a country where aviation infrastructure faces daily challenges.
This regional push accompanies Ethiopian Airlines’ broader expansion, including a recent order for six additional Airbus A350-900s to grow its long-haul fleet.
Yet beyond the prestige of these wide-body jets, it is the strengthening of its regional network that may ultimately prove its most decisive advantage.
By boosting Air Congo’s capabilities, Ethiopian Airlines secures an operational foothold in the heart of Africa while also reinforcing its position as a leading ATR maintenance hub on the continent.
Ultimately, Ethiopian Airlines’ growth is measured not only in aircraft orders but in its wider strategy of African aviation integration—where Air Congo emerges as a key pillar of its continental ambitions, not merely a partner.
